• Results of a recent clinical study suggest a sterile barrier sheath system has distinct advantages over germicidal immersion processes used to prevent contamination of fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopes (flexible ENT scopes). Flexible ENT scopes are used by otolaryngologists to examine the nose and throat area for various disorders such as dysphagia, reflux disease, snoring, and chronic sinusitis. The study used the Medtronic (Minneapolis) Slide-On EndoSheath System, which is a sterile, disposable cover for flexible endoscopes that provides a latex-free barrier between the scope and the patient. The system is designed to reduce patient contact with organic debris and staff exposure to hazardous chemicals. The study authors noted that the system is an alternative to time-intensive chemical reprocessing, allows for quick scope turnaround and helps physicians maximize time treating patients. "The EndoSheath System is designed to allow physicians to cover the insertion tube of the flexible ENT scope with a sterile microbial barrier when performing endoscopy procedures in the clinic and office environments," said Janis Saunier, marketing director for the ENT division at Medtronic. "We believe the use of a sterile sheath on a nasopharyngoscope, combined with enzymatic detergent cleaning and disinfection with 70% alcohol, can provide a reliably decontaminated, patient-ready instrument, providing an acceptable alternative to high-level disinfection of endoscopes."

• Synovis Life Technologies (St. Paul, Minnesota) received FDA clearance for its Flow Coupler, an extension of the company's Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler used in several surgical procedures to connect small blood vessels more quickly and with equal or greater reliability than hand suturing. The Flow Coupler uses Doppler technology to immediately measure blood flow after connecting the small blood vessels. The Flow Coupler uses a 20MHz Doppler sensor to measure blood flow at the site where the vessel is joined (the anastomosis). The Doppler sensor provides surgeons reliable, real time information about blood flow through the anastomosis, enabling immediate intervention in the event of a blockage at the site. Synovis' original Coupler is widely used in microvascular surgery, including breast reconstruction in cancer patients, as well as in several applications in head, neck and hand reconstruction.